Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles is set to be handed a Premier League opportunity after being recalled from his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday by struggling Southampton.
Charles, who has been alongside his brother and fellow international Pierce at the Owls, has impressed in the Championship this season while the Saints have been fighting for their top-flight survival.
The former Manchester City academy star has become a key man for Michael O’Neill during his second reign as Northern Ireland boss and played a key role as promotion to Nations League Group B was secured last year.
However, he could still make a further two appearances for Wednesday due to a seven-day recall rule. With the Saints making the call late on Wednesday evening, the midfielder could feature in Sunday afternoon’s clash away to Leeds and Wednesday’s hosting of Bristol City.
And the Owls haven’t completely given up on getting him back this month.
Owner and chairman Dejphon Chansiri believes Charles is not ready for the Premier League and will fight for his signature again.
“Let’s see what we can do,” said Chansiri, via The Star. “In football, it is not about individual players, it is about the team.
“Even if you have the best players and the other players do not support you, you cannot do anything.“Of course we like him, but what can we do? It is out of our control.
“I mentioned at the beginning my opinion; he is not ready for the Premier League. Southampton in this situation he cannot help, Southampton need a better player than this… Let’s see.
“If they do that, maybe we do something. Let’s see. Someone damage us then we can damage them as well, let’s see.”
Charles is sure to be a member of the squad that will take on Sweden in a friendly on March 25, with another clash in the days before still to be confirmed by the Irish FA. There will be further friendlies in June – O’Neill is thought to be keen on a tour – before the World Cup qualifiers begin in September.
Northern Ireland have been pitted in a group with Italy or Germany – whichever wins their Nations League Quarter-Final clash in March – Slovakia and Luxembourg.
Ivan Juric was brought in to replace the sacked Russell Martin by Southampton in December and he will hope Charles can provide a spark for his men, who take on Manchester United on Thursday evening.